Abstract :
The effect of orally administered l-carnitine on biochemical parameters was examined in
lactating Tuj-ewes. Ewes were orally given 500mg of l-carnitine daily for 3 weeks. To evaluate
the changes on selected blood indicators (total protein, albumin, glucose, triglyceride,
cholesterol, urea, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, lipase, triiodothyronine
and thyroxine), blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study, and at
the end of 1st, 2nd and 3rd week of study. Oral administration of supplemental carnitine
significantly decreased serum triglyceride (P < 0.05), glucose (P < 0.05), cholesterol (P < 0.05)
and triiodothyronine (P < 0.05) concentrations. In addition, serum thyroxine (P < 0.001) and
albumin (P < 0.01) concentrations were significantly elevated as a result of oral carnitine
treatment. These results suggest that supplemental l-carnitine improves selected biochemical
indicators in Tuj-ewes.
